German (GER) 1 German (GER) Courses GER 0868. World Society in Literature & Film. 3 Credit Hours. Learn about a particular national culture - Russian, Indian, French, Japanese, Italian, for example, each focused upon in separate sections of this course - by taking a guided tour of its literature and film. You don't need to speak Russian, Hindu, French or Japanese to take one of these exciting courses, and you will gain the fresh, subtle understanding that comes from integrating across different forms of human expression. Some of the issues that will be illuminated by looking at culture through the lens of literature and film: Family structures and how they are changing, national self-perceptions, pivotal moments in history, economic issues, social change and diversity. NOTE: This course fulfills the World Society (GG) requirement for students under GenEd and International Studies (IS) for students under Core. Students cannot receive credit for this course if they have successfully completed any of the following: Arabic 0868/0968, Asian Studies 0868, Chinese 0868/0968, English 0868/0968, French 0868/0968, German 0968, Hebrew 0868, Italian 0868/0968, Japanese 0868/0968, Jewish Studies 0868, Korean 0868, LAS 0868/0968, Political Science 0868/0968, Russian 0868/0968, or Spanish 0868/0968. Course Attributes: GG GER 0968. Honors World Society in Literature & Film. 3 Credit Hours. Learn about a particular national culture - Russian, Indian, French, Japanese, Italian, for example, each focused upon in separate sections of this course - by taking a guided tour of its literature and film. You don't need to speak Russian, Hindu, French or Japanese to take one of these exciting courses, and you will gain the fresh, subtle understanding that comes from integrating across different forms of human expression. Some of the issues that will be illuminated by looking at culture through the lens of literature and film: Family structures and how they are changing, national self-perceptions, pivotal moments in history, economic issues, social change and diversity. (This is an Honors course.) NOTE: This course fulfills the World Society (GG) requirement for students under GenEd and International Studies (IS) for students under Core. Students cannot receive credit for this course if they have successfully completed any of the following: Arabic 0868/0968, Asian Studies 0868, Chinese 0868/0968, English 0868/0968, French 0868/0968, German 0868, Hebrew 0868, Italian 0868/0968, Japanese 0868/0968, Jewish Studies 0868, Korean 0868, LAS 0868/0968, Political Science 0868/0968, Russian 0868/0968, or Spanish 0868/0968. Cohort Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Cohorts: SCHONORS, UHONORS, UHONORSTR. Course Attributes: GG, HO GER 1001. Introduction to German I. 4 Credit Hours. Classroom work devoted to understanding and speaking German and the reading of graded texts. Laboratory and videotape work stress pronunciation, aural, and oral drills based on an elementary workbook, aimed at communication. Course Attributes: LA GER 1002. Introduction to German II. 4 Credit Hours. Emphasis on understanding, speaking, reading, and writing German. Laboratory and videotapes stress communication skills. Course Attributes: LA GER 1001 Minimum Grade of C- May not be taken concurrently OR LCGE C1002 May not be taken concurrently OR LCGE B1002 May not be taken concurrently OR LCGE C1003 May not be taken concurrently OR LCGE B1003 May not be taken concurrently OR LCGE EXMPT May not be taken concurrently.
2 German (GER) GER 1003. Introduction to German III. 3 Credit Hours. Review of grammar. Reading and discussion of texts of intermediate difficulty. Course Attributes: LB GER 1002 Minimum Grade of C- May not be taken concurrently OR LCGE C1003 May not be taken concurrently OR LCGE B1003 May not be taken concurrently OR LCGE EXMPT May not be taken concurrently. GER 1941. Honors Literature and Culture of Central Europe in the 20th Century. 3 Credit Hours. An introduction to the principal issues, ideas, and genres in the literature of Central Europe since 1900. Through the study of literature, cinema, and the artistic avant-garde, it explores a unique cultural history. Readings include works from Austrian, Croatian, Czech, Hungarian, and Serbian fiction. Course materials will also include the screening of feature films from the region. NOTE: (1) Offered in English. (2) This course can be used to satisfy the university Core International Studies (IS) requirement. Although it may be usable towards graduation as a major requirement or university elective, it cannot be used to satisfy any of the university GenEd requirements. See your advisor for further information. Cohort Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Cohorts: SCHONORS, UHONORS, UHONORSTR. Course Attributes: HO, IS GER 2001. Intermediate. 3 Credit Hours. Continued refinement of grammar. Reading and discussion of textbook and newspaper articles. Increasing vocabulary and practice of basic writing skills. GER 1003 Minimum Grade of C- May not be taken concurrently OR LCGE EXMPT May not be taken concurrently. GER 2011. Immersion in German. 1 to 3 Credit Hour. A one-credit course for students who participate in our Summer Intensive German Program in Leipzig after the German II [German 1002 (0052)] level in order to reward the extra time and exposure they receive during the program. GER 1002 Minimum Grade of C- May not be taken concurrently OR LCGE C1003 May not be taken concurrently OR LCGE B1003 May not be taken concurrently OR LCGE EXMPT May not be taken concurrently. GER 2041. Reading I. 3 Credit Hours. This course focuses on developing reading strategies for the advanced intermediate student. Through theory and practice using a broad range of documents, this course provides a bridge from foundation courses to those dealing with more sophisticated primary texts. GER 2122. Conversation I. 3 Credit Hours. Study of German language with intensive work in skills required for understanding and speaking. Stress on pronunciation, practical vocabulary, idioms, and useful sentence structures. At the end of the course, students should be able to converse at the Intermediate Mid level (ACTFL Rating Scale).
German (GER) 3 GER 2131. The Contemporary German-Speaking World. 3 Credit Hours. This course concentrates on familiarizing the student with the German-speaking countries: Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Students explore contemporary history, geography, provinces, products, industries, customs, and cuisine of these countries. Use of the computer facilitates mapmaking, visualizing famous people and places, and accessing immediate events. Communication will be in German on such topics as contemporary politics, the environment, history, film, music, art, literature, and technology--and will improve reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills at the same time. GER 2141. Hesse, Kafka, Mann, and Rilke. 3 Credit Hours. This course focuses on the literary giants of modern German literature. A reading knowledge in German is required since all primary and most secondary texts will be in German, although English translation of the texts may also be used. Course readings will focus on selected stories and novels by Franz Kafka; Rainer Maria Rilke; and Nobel Prize winners Hermann Hesse and Thomas Mann. GER 2501. German for Business I. 3 Credit Hours. German for Business is an advanced language course for students who wish to continue their study of German while focusing on current issues in economics and business in the German-speaking countries of Europe. The goal of the course is to advance communication and comprehension skills and to introduce the specialized vocabulary of business. Some of the topics include: German unification, the European Union, transportation and infrastructure, labor unions, the major industries and companies in Germany, taxes, workers' benefits, banking and environmental policy, travel industry, and office procedures. GER 3011. Intensive German in Germany. 3 Credit Hours. A course intended for German Language students who are enrolled to study abroad in a German-speaking country for a semester of the year, and need to obtain credit for courses taken at that German University. GER 3021. Conversation II. 3 Credit Hours. This second level course is designed to build on skills in German oral expression acquired in German Conversation I through special focus on expanding vocabulary and idiomatic fluency, honing listening skills, improving pronunciation and awareness of different linguistic registers, and increasing the ease of oral expression through frequent practice. GER 2122 Minimum Grade of C- May not be taken concurrently. GER 3096. Composition I. 3 Credit Hours. Improvement in using the language through intensive written practice, grammar review, and study of problems in syntax and style. Use of current materials from German-speaking countries. NOTE: Capstone writing course. Required for major, minor, and language certificate in German. Course Attributes: WI
4 German (GER) GER 3101. Introduction to German Literature I. 3 Credit Hours. This is an introduction to German literature through analysis and discussion of selected texts within the context of German literary and cultural history. The course provides an overview of significant periods, authors, genres, and topics in German literature from the earliest periods, Old High German through Middle High German to Early Modern German of the Renaissance. The course is taught in German with discussion, reading and writing components. Students are encouraged to formulate their interpretations of literary texts both orally and in written form. The course provides ample opportunity for students to strengthen their speaking and writing skills in the German language. NOTE: Conducted in German. GER 3102. Introduction to German Literature II. 3 Credit Hours. This course is a continuation of the introduction to German literature through analysis and discussion of selected texts within the context of German literary and cultural history. The course provides an overview of significant periods, authors, genres, and topics in German literature from the "Baroque" period through the Golden Ages of the 18th and 19th centuries to Modern German Literature. The course is taught in German with discussion, reading and writing components. Students are encouraged to formulate their interpretations of literary texts both orally and in written form. The course provides ample opportunity for students to strengthen their speaking and writing skills in the German language. It is recommended that the courses be scheduled in succession. GER 3182. Independent Study I. 3 Credit Hours. Supervised study of a topic area agreed upon by the student and instructor. GER 3201. Culture and Civilization I. 3 Credit Hours. This course will examine the German-speaking peoples through the broad spectrum of their culture, history, art and literature; explore the great events and personalities who contributed to German Culture, from the Romans and earliest records of the Germanic tribes up to the Renaissance and Reformation; and continue efforts to understand, speak, read and write German with increasing proficiency and facility. NOTE: Required for major, minor, and language certificate in German. GER 3202. Culture and Civilization II. 3 Credit Hours. This course continues the examination of the German-speaking peoples through the broad spectrum of their culture, history, art and literature; explores the great events and personalities who contributed to German Culture, from the religious wars of the 17th Century and Baroque period up to Post-War modern Germany; and continues efforts to understand, speak, read and write German with increasing proficiency and facility. GER 3221. German Culture through Film. 3 Credit Hours. The course examines German cinema in the context of its relationship to German culture and history. Because film is an art form of creative expression as well as a vehicle for promoting awareness of social concerns, the course will introduce techniques of viewing, analyzing, and evaluating films as expressions of the contemporary culture. Basing our work on films of historical significance and those by premier directors, the course will explore the beginnings of the film industry, Nazi propaganda, the impact of the Obernhausen Manifesto, New German Films, and issues of gender and politics since the Wende.
German (GER) 5 GER 3231. German Minorities and Cultural Identities: Gendered Dimensions (in English). 3 Credit Hours. Germany has vibrant migrant communities with ethnic and racial groups from places as diverse as Turkey, Italy, Greece, Morocco, East Africa, and Russia. This course looks at the presence of minority communities in Germany today, their history and cultural influences as well as economic contributions. Our main analytical lens will be gender - how the German host culture is shaped by concepts of femininity and masculinity, sexuality, family, and a gendered division of labor and how these concepts are challenged (and/or shored up) by the various ethnic communities. We will look at both the perception of migrants by white/native Germans (how are they portrayed in the media, film, and politics?) and we will explore the voice of the "other," i.e. the experience of minority communities living in Germany and how this influences their own cultural identities. Questions we will ask include: How does the experience of immigration affect the identity of minorities living in Germany? What does "Deutsche Kultur" (German culture) mean today? Our focus will be on how gender shapes and underlies much of these discussions on minorities in Germany as well as their negotiations of conflicting expectations of community and larger "German" culture. Course material will include critical readings, films, and other cultural texts. Taught in English. GER 3235. Race, Gender, Sexuality, and Nation in Weimar Culture (in English). 3 Credit Hours. This class explores the contradictions in German culture during the Weimar Republic (1918-33), with particular attention to its urban centers: Berlin was considered the European capital of artistic and experimental subcultures as well as the hotbed for radical politics, whose decadent Bohemian culture of sexual experimentation, drug use, women's liberation and cabaret existed side by side with abject poverty and street violence. We will ask questions such as how Hitler could come to power in a Germany that was considered to have the most advanced science, technology, literature, philosophy and art of its time, and whose Jewish citizens contributed to all areas of society? How did a new consumerism contribute to the complacency of many Germans in the face of a violent fascism? Thereby we will pay attention to how concepts of race, gender, sexuality and nation shaped the debates of the time. We will watch movies, read literature and graphic novels, and learn about the Weimar Republic's political landscape and history. This course is conducted in English. All films are subtitled and readings are in English. GER 3275. Fin-de-Siecle Vienna: Birthplace of Modernity around 1900. 3 Credit Hours. An interdisciplinary approach to the cultural and political transformations taking place in Vienna around 1900 (art, architecture, literature, psychoanalysis, music). The common contexts and interconnections between writers such as Schnitzler, Hofmannsthal, Altenberg, and Kraus, Freud's psychoanalysis, Klimt and Schiele's "Jugendstil," the architectural innovations of Wagner, Loos and the Ringstrasse, and the music of Mahler, R. Strauss, and Schoenberg. Focus on issues such as sexuality, disease, desire, and modernity. The rise of mass politics and modern anti-semitism will also be discussed. GER 3282. Independent Study II. 3 Credit Hours. The theme for this course will be decided by the Core-Coordinators based on the needs and interests of the students enrolled. The course is intended for German majors/minors. GER 3363. Diabolical Dilemmas: The Faust Theme in German Literature. 3 Credit Hours. What is meant by the term "Faustian"? Since ancient times, western societies have fostered the idea that one should strive constantly to achieve all that is in one's power. At the same time, we have been careful to set ethical and cultural limits and punish those who have overstepped these boundaries. Focusing on tracing the development and permutations of the themes of the Faust legend in Germany over the past 200 years, this course investigates literary treatments of such transgressors in German literature and film, and compares them to actual situations presenting ethical dilemmas. NOTE: (1) The course is conducted in German. (2) In Fall 2010, this course will focus on historical, literary, and philosophical aspects of the concept Faustian through literary works including Goethe's Faust, Duerrenmatt's Physicists, and Thomas Mann's Mario and the Magician, as well as representations in art, music, and film. Discussion, reports, periodic examinations. GER 4140. Seminar in Special Topic. 3 Credit Hours. Topic varies each semester. NOTE: Offered in English.
6 German (GER) GER 4141. German Expressionism. 3 Credit Hours. German Expressionism (ca. 1910-1920) is certainly one of the most innovative artistic movements in the history of German culture; it is certainly the most revolutionary. The course will trace the development of Expressionism in the arts with the major emphasis on literature. Authors such as Kafka, Trakl, Wedekind, and Werfel, will be read. The course also focuses on the beginnings of German cinema as seen in the works of F. Lang, E. Lubitsch, and F. Murnau. The rich art production of Beckmann, Kandinsky, Marc, and others will add to our understanding of the revolutionary nature of German Expressionism. This course is conducted in German. GER 4142. Novelle. 3 Credit Hours. By reading, discussing, and writing about novellas recognized as significant representative works of the genre, the course aims to provide students with tools to: locate the novella's place in German literature within cultural settings; become acquainted with research into the genre; and practice, refresh and expand all language skills, especially reading, writing, and vocabulary development skills. All of the selected texts share thematic aspects of the supernatural or surreal as integral to development of the hallmark novella twist of plot. NOTE: The course is conducted in German. GER 4144. The Golden Age: Goethe and Schiller. 3 Credit Hours. The course provides an introduction to the literary and philosophical developments of the classical period in German literature through an intensive reading and analysis of the prose, plays, and poems of Goethe and Schiller. The examination of this critical period in German literature/culture will be carried out by also scrutinizing representative works from the Storm and Stress period, as well as Early Romanticism. NOTE: The course is conducted in German. GER 4145. Twentieth Century Drama: From Expressionism to the Absurd and Beyond. 3 Credit Hours. A selection of representative German theatrical works from Expressionism to the present (Hauptmann, Hofmannsthal, Brecht, Goering, Kaiser, Duerrenmatt, Frisch, Peter Weiss, Handke, Turrini), focusing on historical and cultural contexts as well as literary and linguistic analysis. Discussion, reports, and videos. NOTE: The course is conducted in German. GER 4146. Twentieth Century Prose: Searching for Identity. 3 Credit Hours. In various types of writing - novel, novelle, short story, epistolary literature - German-speaking poets of the past century revealed a continuing, but not necessarily satisfying, search for identity. This course aims to trace that trajectory by studying representative works from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Readings include works by Thomas Mann, Hesse, Kafka, Seghers, Brussig, Borchert, Boell, Heym, Grass, Oezdamar, and Werfel. Discussion, videos, oral and written reports. NOTE: The course is conducted in German. GER 4147. Kafka. 3 Credit Hours. Franz Kafka is justly regarded as one of the seminal writers of the 20th century. The simplicity of his language, combined with fantasy-based situations, produces texts with surprising twists, dark humor, and great spiritual depth. They capture the deliberations of a man both fascinated and imprisoned by language and life. Issues of freedom/restrictions and imprisonment/liberation are central to Kafka's writings. Works to be read are: Amerika, Der Prozess, Gesammelte Erzaehlungen, etc. NOTE: This course is conducted in German.
German (GER) 7 GER 4182. Advanced Independent Study I. 3 Credit Hours. Supervised reading, research, and reports on an advanced level in German language, literature, and civilization. GER 4221. German Culture Through Film. 4 Credit Hours. This course examines German cinema in the context of its relationship to German culture and history. Because film is an art form of creative expression as well as a vehicle for promoting awareness of social concerns, the course will introduce techniques of viewing, analyzing, and evaluating films as expressions of the contemporary culture. Basing our work on films of historical significance and those by premier directors, the course will explore the beginnings of the film industry, Nazi propaganda, the impact of the Obernhausen Manifesto, New German Film, and issues of gender and politics since the Wende. It includes an additional hour of instruction in German for German Majors and Minors. GER 4231. German Minorities and Cultural Identities: Gendered Dimensions. 4 Credit Hours. Germany has vibrant migrant communities with ethnic and racial groups from places as diverse as Turkey, Italy, Greece, Morocco, East Africa, and Russia. This course looks at the presence of minority communities in Germany today, their history and cultural influences as well as economic contributions. Our main analytical lens will be gender - how the German host culture is shaped by concepts of femininity and masculinity, sexuality, family, and a gendered division of labor and how these concepts are challenged (and/or shored up) by the various ethnic communities. We will look at both the perception of migrants by white/native Germans (how are they portrayed in the media, film, and politics?) and we will explore the voice of the "other," i.e. the experience of minority communities living in Germany and how this influences their own cultural identities. Questions we will ask include: How does the experience of immigration affect the identity of minorities living in Germany? What does "Deutsche Kultur" (German culture) mean today? Our focus will be on how gender shapes and underlies much of these discussions on minorities in Germany as well as their negotiations of conflicting expectations of community and larger "German" culture. Course material will include critical readings, films, and other cultural texts. Three hours taught in English, with the fourth hour taught in German. Written work and readings in German for Majors, Minors, Certificate Students. GER 4235. Race, Gender, Sexuality, and Nation in Weimar Culture. 4 Credit Hours. This class explores the contradictions in German culture during the Weimar Republic (1918-33), with particular attention to its urban centers: Berlin was considered the European capital of artistic and experimental subcultures as well as the hotbed for radical politics, whose decadent Bohemian culture of sexual experimentation, drug use, women's liberation and cabaret existed side by side with abject poverty and street violence. We will ask questions such as how Hitler could come to power in a Germany that was considered to have the most advanced science, technology, literature, philosophy and art of its time, and whose Jewish citizens contributed to all areas of society? How did a new consumerism contribute to the complacency of many Germans in the face of a violent fascism? Thereby we will pay attention to how concepts of race, gender, sexuality and nation shaped the debates of the time. We will watch movies, read literature and graphic novels, and learn about the Weimar Republic's political landscape and history. All films are subtitled and readings are in English. Three hours taught in English, with the fourth hour taught in German. Written work and readings in German for majors, minors, and certificate students. GER 3096 Minimum Grade of C- May not be taken concurrently OR. GER 4282. Advanced Independent Study II. 3 Credit Hours. Supervised reading, research, and reports on an advanced level in German language, literature, and civilization.
8 German (GER) GER 4296. Composition II. 3 Credit Hours. This course builds on the skills mastered in German 3096 (W231) (Composition I) by fostering more sophisticated use of the language through written practice and study of advanced problems in syntax and style. Use of contemporary materials from German-speaking countries. NOTE: The course is conducted in German. Course Attributes: WI GER 3096 Minimum Grade of C- May not be taken concurrently. GER 4301. History of the German Language. 3 Credit Hours. Origins and development of the German language, including changes in sounds, grammar and vocabulary. NOTE: Taught in English. GER 4940. Honors: Special Topics. 3 Credit Hours. This course requires an advanced level of proficiency in German. Prerequisite is the successful completion of a 2000-level German course, an intensive writing experience, or with instructor approval. The topic will be an advanced study of various literary genres to be selected by the Core-Coordinators, and to be announced before enrollment. Cohort Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Cohorts: SCHONORS, UHONORS, UHONORSTR. Course Attributes: HO GER 2000 Minimum Grade of C- May not be taken concurrently.